Fisheries Biologist - Electronic Reporting

Job Description

Job Description

At Saltwater Inc. we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans: our mission is to provide that data. We are a Women-Owned Small Business and are constantly seeking new team members who share our passion for innovation and environmental wellness.

We are currently recruiting for three positions for Fisheries Monitoring Support – Electronic Reporting – Fishery Biologist Level II . These positions will work as a contractor for NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Fisheries Statistics Division (FSD). The FSD ensures the quality of collected data through compilation, quality control, and assurance. Organizing, maintaining, and developing databases (like bioprofile, logbook catch record, and head boat activity report databases). Performing data analyses and extractions to support stock assessment activities (like SEDAR), general scientific inquiries, and annual reports summarizing landings and effort estimates. Developing and implementing electronic reporting systems like the Fisheries Electronic Reporting System (FERS).

Please note that we are recruiting proactively and do not yet have this position available. If awarded the work, this will be a full-time position. Work will be performed onsite at the Miami Lab of the SEFSC. The contract has a one-year base period with a potential of three option periods.

Data Management Support: The Contractor shall distribute, receive, quality control, and finalize commercial fishermen’s logbooks that are required to be submitted to the SEFSC in the Highly Migratory Species and Coastal fisheries. The contractor shall also work to test and implement the SEFSC Fisheries Electronic Reporting System (FERS). This task shall include the following activities:

• Annually distribute logbooks via US mail to permit holders. This shall include ensuring that permit holders receive the correct logbook type, and those that are selected for supplementary data collections (e.g. economic or bycatch reporting) receive the proper forms and notifications.
• Distribute logbooks via US mail to new permit holders as they enter the fishery, ensuring that they receive the correct logbook for their permit type.
• Travel locally via GOV to the post office to pick up incoming logbooks.
• Process incoming logbooks: stamp as received, organize the forms, code and assign schedule numbers, check for compliance issues, and prepare data for scanning. Post scanning validations will be run and if no errors are found the interim data is moved into master data.
• Process incoming logbooks as described in 4, however if errors are found after validation the data shall be corrected via contact with the permit holder who submitted the logbook. This may occur via phone or via mail as appropriate.
• Monitor a phone line each business day that is used for permit holders who have questions about the logbook process. Respond when appropriate or forward the question to upper level staff.
• Upon receipt of requests from a permit holder to register for the FERS, the Contractor shall generate a PIN and send instructions to the permit holder via U.S. mail.
• Test new versions of the eTrips application to ensure the version is working as intended.

Deliverable:

• Distribution of logbooks to existing permit holders.
  • Annual procedure occurring in the first half of December. Process must be completed within 5 business days of initiating.
  • Written report due upon completion. Logbooks delivered to the post office and reported to the Chief, Fisheries Monitoring Branch or designee.
• Distribution of logbooks to new permit holders.
  • This is an ongoing task. Upon notification of a new permit holder, materials will be mailed within 7 calendar days. Progress report due monthly; Deliver logbooks to U.S.P.S. and inform the Chief, Fisheries Monitoring Branch or designee.
• Pick up mail
  • On scheduled days, mail must be picked up by 1:00 pm. Notification due upon completion to the Chief, Fisheries Monitoring Branch or designee.
• Process incoming logbooks (no errors)
  • From day of receipt until day of move to master data shall be no longer than 46

calendar days. Status report due monthly to the Chief, Fisheries Monitoring Branch or designee.

• Process incoming logbooks (with errors)
  • From day of receipt until day of move to master data shall be no longer than 60 calendar days (unless delays are caused by unresponsive permit holder). Status

report due monthly to the Chief, Fisheries Monitoring Branch or designee.

• Monitor incoming calls.
  • On scheduled days, monitor incoming calls from industry during business hours. Responses shall be provided to permit holders (inquirers) within 4 business days. Status report due monthly to the Chief, Fisheries Monitoring Branch or designee.
• FERS Registration of Permit holders
  • Send registration information via mail at the end of each week to permit holders who applied the previous week. Status report due monthly to the Chief, Fisheries Monitoring Branch or designee.
• eTrip testing.
  • Complete testing of new version of the eTrip application within 14 calendar days of version release. Notification due upon completion to Chief, Fisheries Monitoring Branch or designee.

Analytical Support: The Contractor shall assist Divisional staff in the analysis and extraction of HMS and Coastal logbook data using SQL and standard statistical programs such as SAS or R. Specifically, this task shall include:

• Query and analyze logbook data to investigate and develop quality control and other validation processes that can be incorporated into the electronic reporting process.
• Extract and summarize data collected via the electronic reporting process for comparison to the standard reporting process. Reports will be produced as required.

Deliverable:

• Data query and analysis
• This is an ongoing task. Progress will be reported weekly at FSD application development meetings.
• Data extraction and summarization
• This is an ongoing task. Reports will be required/requested as needed, and will be produced within 7 calendar days of request

Outreach and Education: The Contractor shall participate in public outreach efforts and assist with training/education activities and shall have the following responsibilities:

• Participate in SEFSC-sponsored or participating outreach events such as Open Houses, Youth/Career Fairs, etc. in order to explain electronic logbook program goals and methods to the public.
• Assist Government staff with any electronic logbook processing training sessions for new hires

Deliverable:

• Public Outreach
• All materials such as presentations, handouts, lesson plans, etc. must be submitted for approval 5 days prior to public presentation.
• Training Sessions
• All training materials such as presentations, handouts, lesson plans, etc. must be submitted for approval 5 days prior to public presentation

Scientific Meetings: The Contractor shall prepare for and present, facilitate, or participate in various electronic logbook reporting related workshops, scientific and technological meetings, symposiums, and public forums. The contractor shall prepare for meetings and conferences in order to present materials and information on electronic logbook reporting and become aware of the available technology, including:

• Present materials regarding the SEFSC electronic logbook reporting at Fishery Management Council meetings, ACCSP and GFIN working group meetings, HMS Advisory Panel meetings, and others as assigned.
• Attend conferences and symposia that have sessions on electronic reporting. Presentation of SEFSC information is mandatory as well as full attendance at all relevant sessions.

Deliverable:

• Present FERS information at Management meetings.
• All presentations must be submitted for approval 5 days prior to the meeting.
• Attend and present at Electronic Reporting conferences.
• All presentations must be submitted for approval 5 days prior to the conference.
• Travel to workshops and meetings.
• Where travel is required, submit travel requests as detailed by contract.
• Travel requests shall be provided via the COR to the Chief of the SEFSC Fisheries Monitoring Branch, or designee.
• Travel should not exceed $40,000

Experience and Education:

Essential:

• MS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study or BS Degree in Marine Science or a related field of study plus three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Computer literate and experienced with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs.
• Knowledge of applying basic concepts, principles and methodologies of fish or related biological field sufficient to independently perform scientific tasks using standard methods and techniques.

Desirable:

• Experience collecting catch and effort information from commercial fishers

Salary range is $30 - $45 per hour, dependent upon experience.

Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity. Furthermore, Saltwater Inc. highly encourages qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply for positions for which they are qualified and to notify us if there are any needs for accommodation throughout the application process and/or upon hire.

Only qualified applicants with the requisite experience need to apply.

We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.